Living in this world offers few experiences quite like the adventure of camping. After all, what can compare to inhaling fresh, clean air and becoming one with nature? Camping is an activity that you need to prepare for though, as going without proper preparation can lead to an uncomfortable, or even dangerous, situation.
Look for where you’re going to set up your shelter before darkness falls. When night falls, making food, finding wood, and pitching your tent can be very difficult. Those that live in urban areas find this to be the case even more than those that are used to pitch black darkness. Avoid this circumstance entirely by securing your accommodations ahead of time.
When you’re camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. Finding the right spot for your tent, gathering firewood and making dinner are all a lot tougher after darkness settles in. This is particularly important if you are not used to doing things in the dark. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.
Be sure to know the recent conditions of where you will be staying. For example, you will want to know if the area will be dry enough to find suitable firewood. It’s important that you bring extra wood with you that you can keep in a dry area.
Do not assume you can collect firewood from the area. It’s always a good idea to take along some wood of your own and keep it in a dry place.
Make sure that all of your friends and family are involved in choosing the camping site. Talk about the state you would like to go to. There are many different places, so it can be hard to choose. This can get people engaged and ready to go camping.
When buying a tent, be sure that it’s large enough to accommodate you and any guests you have. You should have no problem sleeping and getting through the nights when camping.
When it comes to children, don’t hesitate to over-pack. Camping can be messy. Kids are seriously attracted to the dirt. Therefore, you will need to understand that a clean trip is probably out of the question. By packing a few extra changes of clothes, your children can be presentable at dinner. Always prepare!
Try combining a swimming experience with your camping experience. While camping, you might really miss the luxury of showering. Spending some time in cool water can help you stay clean and refresh your spirits, so a little swimming can soothe the part of your heart longing for a bath.
A first aid session, especially if you have children, is essential. This way, should an accident occur, at least you are properly prepared until help arrives. Be sure to do some research as well. Know if there are any poisonous snakes in the area, what type of wild animals call those woods their home, etc.
Emergency Kit
Pack a bandanna or handkerchief. This single fabric piece can be used as a carrying bag, hand towel, paper towel, potholder, and blotter. Take a few with you anytime you go camping.
Always prepare an emergency kit when camping, whether you are going by yourself or with others. This emergency kit changes depending on the place you go camping, but you have to be certain it has the basic tools. Don’t forget to pack the extra for your location, too, such as antivenom for snake bites.
It’s not totally necessary to rough it during your entire trip. You can bring along something comforting from home for your trip. Try bringing something portable and lightweight, like a candy bar or some cream for your coffee. Just one small thing can feel luxurious if you start to miss the comforts of home.
Pack the duct tape. Duct tape is good for so many things. Such tape can quickly fix holes in tents, leaking inflatables and worn soles on shoes. It can also be used to seal mosquito netting.
Duct tape can be used to solve many problems on camping trips. It has several uses like fixing a hole in a tent and holding moisture.
It’s important to talk with you kids about the dangers of camping. Show them pictures of plants that are poisonous so they know not to touch them.
When you are camping around dangerous creatures, you have to be even safer regarding food. This means wrapping things up tightly, keeping them far from your tent, and avoiding some types of food completely. Following these measures will keep you safe from attacks.
Take along things to do while you are in the wild. Pack such things as cards, fishing poles or even plan for a scavenger hunt. If you are taking children camping, you might want to bring more activities than you think you are going to need.
Though camping is meant to emphasize minimalism, some carefully chosen supplies can make all the difference. Though a sleeping bag is great, extra blankets can also be useful. If the temperature drops at night, you can use the blankets for warmth, or as padding, too.
Camping Trip
Though camping can be the best relaxation you can have, things can go south easily. Preparation makes all the difference. If you are able to think ahead about what you might come across, and protect yourself against it, you will have a great time camping.
Prepare for your camping trip thoroughly. Try to plan your camping trip as best you can, but know that unexpected events can arise. The weather is something that can change suddenly, and that can make the environment become more dangerous. Do not be careless, because this can get in the way of you having fun.
Pack your things carefully and smartly. Make a list of what you need, and check off items as you pack. This is especially crucial if your trip will be taking you to a remote location where replacement supplies will be hard to come by.
Be prepared for your next camping adventure by taking precautions on conserving flashlight batteries. It is very common for flashlights to be turned on inadvertently when going through camping supplies or while being stored. You can avoid dead batteries by installing them in the flashlight backwards until you need the light. If the power switch is touched, the flashlight won’t turn on and you’ll still have full battery power.
While it may seem silly, make sure that you pack some toilet paper before you go camping. You may have to use nature’s toilet. Leaves may have poison on them, as you will want to use toilet paper to wipe.
Write down a list of all the materials you need before you go camping. It’s especially important to make a checklist if you will be traveling a distance to the campgrounds. Start packing a few days ahead of your trip, and tick items off as you pack them.
While camping, do everything you can to be safe and cautious. Stay away from wildlife, even if they are not very large. Even smaller animals such as squirrels can pose a danger. Keep your food out of reach of bears at all time, and do not try to interact with them.
Make sure to watch your children very closely. There are always cars arriving and leaving from campsites, and it is easy for little kids to get lost easily in wooded areas. Things happen very quickly and your kids should be supervised.
Food safety should be maintained while you are on your trip. Use bags that are airtight and your containers should be waterproofed. Any perishable food should be stored in insulated coolers. Keep cooked food separate from raw food to prevent contamination. Wash your hands while preparing food and afterward, and keep any surfaces, utensils and cooking containers clean as well. Thoroughly cook foods and store them right away.
Keep an eye out on your camping area. Always avoid camping near a bee’s nest or insect breeding grounds. Whenever you are close to a great deal of vegetation, protective clothing layers are key to stave off insect bites. Always bring insect repellent on any camping trip.
A shower curtain that’s old makes a good disposable and cheap tarp to put beneath your tent. This is good to use for areas where you cook and clean, since you can control the run-off. Whenever you replace a shower curtain, simply launder the old one, and stow it away with your camping gear for your next outdoor adventure.
Not many activities match the thrill of camping. The scenery, being around nature, and the fresh air are all great things to enjoy while camping. Try the tips and tricks you’ve learned here to make your next camping trip even more relaxing.
If you’re camping where there are snakes, make your campsite snake-proof. Set up camp away from brush piles, rock piles, thick bushes and anywhere else snakes like to hide. Always check camping gear before putting it on; perhaps a snake has made it home. Always seal your tent, and surround the outside with mounds of dirt.
